LOPRESSOR

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LOPRESSOR is a beta-adrenergic blocker indicated in the treatment of hemodynamically stable adult patients with myocardial infarction, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Myocardial Infarction LOPRESSOR is indicated in the treatment of hemodynamically stable adult patients with myocardial infarction (MI) to reduce cardiovascular mortality. Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Myocardial Infarction: The recommended starting dosage is 50 mg orally every 6 hours. Maintenance dosage depends upon hemodynamic tolerance, see full prescribing information. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Myocardial Infarction The recommended starting dose in hemodynamically stable patients is 50 mg orally every 6 hours. In case of intolerance, reduce the starting dose to 25 mg orally every 6 hours and administer for 48 hours. Titrate dosage based on tolerability and hemodynamic parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure). LOPRESSOR should preferably be administered with or following meals. The maximum daily maintenance dosage is 100 mg orally twice daily. Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Abrupt cessation may exacerbate myocardial ischemia. ( 5.1 ) Heart Failure: Worsening cardiac failure may occur. ( 5.2 ) Bronchospastic Disease: Avoid beta-blockers. ( 5.3 ) Pheochromocytoma: Initiate therapy with an alpha blocker. ( 5.4 ) Major Surgery: Avoid initiation of high-dose metoprolol in patients undergoing non- cardiac surgery. Do not routinely withdraw chronic beta-blocker therapy prior to surgery. ( 5.5 , 6.1 ) Diabetes: May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia. ( 5.6 ) Thyrotoxicosis: Abrupt withdrawal in patients with thyrotoxicosis might precipitate a thyroid storm. ( 5.7 ) Peripheral Vascular Disease: Can aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Abrupt Cessation of Therapy Following abrupt cessation of therapy with certain beta-blocking agents, exacerbations of angina pectoris and, in some cases, myocardial infarction have occurred. When discontinuing chronically administered LOPRESSOR, gradually reduce the dosage over a period of 1 to 2 weeks and monitor the patient. Warn patients not to interrupt therapy without their physician’s advice. 5.2 Heart Failure Worsening cardiac failure may occur during up-titration of LOPRESSOR. If such symptoms occur, increase diuretics and restore clinical stability before advancing the dose of LOPRESSOR [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. It may be necessary to lower the dose of LOPRESSOR or temporarily discontinue it. Such episodes do not preclude subsequent successful titration of LOPRESSOR. 5.3 Bronchospastic Disease Patients with bronchospastic disease, should in general, not receive beta-blockers, including LOPRESSOR. Because of its relative beta 1 cardio-selectivity, however, LOPRESSOR may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta1-selectivity is not absolute, use the lowest possible dose of LOPRESSOR. Bronchodilators, including beta 2 -agonists, should be readily available or administered concomitantly [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. 5.4 Pheochromocytoma If LOPRESSOR is used in the setting of pheochromocytoma, it should be given in combination with an alpha blocker, and only after the alpha blocker has been initiated. Administration of beta-blockers alone in the setting of pheochromocytoma has been associated with a paradoxical increase in blood pressure due to the attenuation of beta-mediated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle. 5.5 Major Surgery Avoid initiation of a high-dose regimen of beta blocker therapy in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, since such use in patients with cardiovascular risk factors has been associated with bradycardia, hypotension, stroke and death. Chronically administered beta-blocking therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery, however, the impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli may augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures. 5.6 Hypoglycemia Beta-blockers may prevent early warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, and increase the risk for severe or prolonged hypoglycemia at any time during treatment, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus or children and patients who are fasting (i.e., surgery, not eating regularly, or are vomiting). If severe hypoglycemia occurs, patients should be instructed to seek emergency treatment. 5.7 Thyrotoxicosis Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockade may precipitate a thyroid storm. 5.8 Risk of Anaphylactic Reactions While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge, either accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic. Such patients may be unresponsive to t